Joshua (who is hiding from the camera), Mataya, Wyatt, Chad and I made the trip. Krissy had her wisdom teeth pulled on Thursday, so we volunteered to take Wyatt with us so she could rest a bit more easily. The kids did fairly well on the drive. And they were ummmm age appropriate?!? at the meet. (They were totally bonkers. Climbing and jumping all over the bleachers. But after a three hour drive and no place to play, what could we expect? We are just thankful to report no one got hurt - bleachers and toddlers are scary!)
Getting to this race has been a long, hard road. I am always in awe of Jamison's patience, perseverance, and determination. He has been working hard to rehab his stress reactions for almost a year. In all honesty, it is still an up and down battle. He raced awesome yesterday, but he also admitted to me that he is taking some time off and then will cross train because running on the treadmill (when the weather got nasty) caused some shin pain. Some days I want to have a major melt down for him - but he never does. He just keeps working hard, talking to experts, and doing all he can to heal.
He ran in the open 800. He had a great race and looked strong and relaxed.
His time was a PR (personal record)! That is pretty impressive considering his former PR was run outside on a full size track. (This indoor track was 200 meters.) I am excited to see what this season brings.
He also ran in a 1600 meter relay. He was pumped about his time in that event as well.
So - it was a very successful event. A superb beginning.
We all woke up tired and a bit grumpy this morning. We arrived home just before midnight. The little ones slept in their clothes and had car snacks smeared on their faces even after a full night's sleep. It was a wild and crazy trip, however we were there! That is what family does, right?!? We show up. We cheer loud. I felt a little guilty when I pulled my grandson from his crib this morning and kissed his Cheeto stained cheeks, but only for a moment. What he learned about his grandpa and I yesterday was much more important than going to bed in clean jammies. He learned that we will always do our darndest to be present and to care for all our kids to the best of our ability. Even when it is not easy. He learned that LaLa will sing "Old McDonald" and "The Wheels on the Bus" for hours if that is what it takes to keep him happy in the car. He learned that grandpa snores. . . loudly. . . when he is really, really tired. He learned to yell, "GO! GO! GO!" and clap his hands, just like Auntie TayTay. It was not idyllic, but it was real. In the end, a long bath, some yummy breakfast, and an early nap cured the grumpies, but did not erase one single memory.
I'm embracing the crazy and treasuring each memory that comes from it. It was chaotic, but I am SO thankful I was there. So very thankful.
Blue looks good on you, Jamison! What a pleasure it is to watch you do that which you love.
